Bellator 97 is tonight

Diehard fans are already calling this the best card in the promotion's history

Albuquerque MMA fans are in for a treat today, as Bellator 97 is going down at the Star Center in Rio Rancho. This is the promotion’s second trip to the 505 this year, and diehard MMA nerds are calling this the best card in the promotion’s history.

At the top of the card, Bellator Lightweight (155lb) champ Michael Chandler will attempt to defend his belt against David “The Caveman” Rickels, who I recently interviewed for the Alibi. This should be a fast-paced war between two relentless fighters. Before that, Bellator Welterweight Champ Ben Askren defends his strap against undefeated Russian import Andre Koreschkov. And Mohammed “King Mo” Lawal will try to back up weeks of smack talk against Jacob Noe in a light heavyweight bout.

Tickets are still available, and several local fighters are on the undercard, which kicks off at 3:30 this afternoon. Starting at 5 the fights will be broadcast live on Spike TV. These local warriors include: Cris Leyva (Farmington), Mike Barreras (Albuquerque) and Frank Baca (Albuquerque).

Following the championship bouts there will be four additional “feature” fights that will include more local fighters: Adrian Cruz (Rio Rancho), Russell Wilson (Albuquerque), Richard Jacques (Albuquerque), Felipe Chavez, (Albuquerque), and Donald Sanchez (Albuquerque).

The Alibi will be on-scene, posting updates to the blog. Stay tuned. Or show up yourself and see what all this fuss is about.